Most Walla Walla University attendees can recall The Express in one of its many forms: the College Dairy, The Scoop, The Dairy Store, or the DX. Scattered manuscripts and individual recollections form a hazy collective memory of The Express. However, a complete timeline of this ever-innovating establishment is absent from the WWU records, until now. What emerges is a story worth revisiting—the evolving history of The Express.
Marcus Whitman brought the first dairy cows to Walla Walla in 1836 and in the next 100 years the dairy industry became big business in the valley and across the rest of the state. Walla Walla College had its own dairy herd and barn known as the College Dairy. According to a 1919 Union-Bulletin article, the College Dairy owned several prize-winning cows and a “fine herd of Holstein cattle.” In those days, students were required to work on campus and many learned valuable lessons from their time at the dairy farm.
During the 1949-50 school year, as Cinderella hit theaters, WWC decided to expand the College Dairy with the help of new superintendent O.H. Heibert. A new store was constructed on the corner of College Avenue and Fourth Street “for the purpose of processing and selling milk products.” This store, known as “The Dairy,” sat where the Havstad Alumni Center’s parking lot now is.
Some 15 years later, WWC expanded their offerings at The Dairy by opening the dairy snack bar in 1966, serving milkshakes, ice cream, and other sweet treats. Some favorites were Foreman’s Folly and the enormous 27-scoop Meske Mountain for “student affairs that require a heap of ice cream.”
For the next 20 years, time continued to pass and the WWC campus saw another generation come and go. Through it all, one thing stayed constant: the College Dairy and its store on Fourth Street. The store went on selling ice cream and milk products, and its cows continued to produce 13,000-15,000 pounds of milk each day. But change was coming, and when the Shell gas station across the street ended its lease in 1987, College Dairy manger Darral Payne saw an opportunity.
Under the leadership of Payne, WWC opened a new convenience store and gas station at the Shell’s location called the Dairy Express. In a 1987 Collegian article, assistant manager of sales Jeff Hutton said, “it will basically be a 7-Eleven without the beer and cigarettes.” That store would soon become affectionately known as the DX.
As a part of its menu, the DX sold completely vegetarian fast food. One of these items, the Yogi burger, would come to symbolize the establishment’s commitment to serving vegefood. Originally known as the “Yogie”, it made its debut with the 1988 opening of the DX. Generations of students have, and continue to enjoy its meatless chicken, pickles, and signature Yogi Sauce.
The building that the DX moved into in 1988 was originally constructed in 1933 and had some quirks. For example, it did not have a bathroom. To make sure students could continue to enjoy it for generations to come, the building underwent renovations in 2009. Construction crews updated the gas pumps, bathrooms, and dining facilities to bring the structure up to code. Their work is still visible today in the white painted sections towards the rear of the original beige brick structure.
The Express has a history of adapting to better serve the needs of different generations and continues to do so. One of the latest additions to this community staple is an electric vehicle car-share program that debuted in 2025. This car share program was made possible by a partnership with Women of Wisdom, a local organization focused on empowering underserved communities. The program has been a success with all four cars getting checked out on most weekends.
Through years of growth and change, one thing remains constant at The Express: student workers. Senior digital media and design major Katie Szabo has worked at The Express for the last four years, eventually moving her way up to student manager. Her time there has taught many valuable workplace lessons.
“When it's really busy and we're getting rushed, I have learned how to stay calm and keep things running smoothly,” said Szabo. “I think The Express has improved my communication skills and made me realize how important teamwork is.”
The Express’ legacy is long and packed with warm memories, excellent food, and lifelong lessons. Though it has changed many times over the years, each generation added something lasting to its story. As we look to the future, one thing is for certain: The Express’ commitment to serving students, alumni, staff, and community alike will continue to foster memories for years to come.
Next time you’re in town, maybe grab a Yogi or a Super and add to the memories.
View the full menu at wwutheexpress.com.
